The Problem With the Pope's Populism

Since the late Hugo Chávez rose to power in Venezuela in 1999, much of Latin America has been firmly under the thumb of leftist-populist governments. Characterized by caudillo-like leaders, demagogic rhetoric, the deliberate mobilization of groups against each other (the poor against the wealthy, indigenes against the paler-skinned), the blaming of foreigners for the continentâ??s problems, the elimination of independent judiciaries, the nationalization of large segments of the economy, and efforts to destroy a free press, all these regimes have inflicted enormous economic harm on Latin America. Contrary to the protestations of Hollywood celebrities, Venezuela is simply the most advanced down the path of out-of-control inflation, price-controls, shortages of basic necessities (such as toilet paper), the systematic use of violence against regime critics, and complete contempt for rule of law.